Lone piano

This piano certainly looks like it's seen better days. I do like the contrast of its drab color against that red wall.

Book box and bass

I found another book box when I was out and about recently. How serendipitous that this man with a double bass just happened to walk through my shot! It's Wednesday and you'll find more signs at Signs, Signs.

March theme day: People on the street

Spring is here! Temperatures have been rising here in Berlin and the skies are blue, let's hope things stay that way. This shot is not exactly a "street" scene, this was actually taken on the old takeoff/landing strip at the Templehof Airport. The airport officially closed down a few years ago and there has been much debate about what to do with the land and the buildings. In the meantime, it has become a popular weekend spot to sly kites, ride bikes, rollerblade or just peoplewatch, and I hope things will stay this way. 

Hope your weekend is off to a good start! For more interpretations of this month's theme, click here.

Sunny days

We haven't had many sunny days here in Berlin lately, so it's nice to remember when we did! This shot was taken from the Marienhohe in Templehof. I love the fall colors against a blue sky. Friday is finally here and for once, I don't have any plans. My husband and I have cooled off on the househunting a little, but we've got a couple of places in our sights that might work out. But it probably won't be until the end of January until anything is certain. Perhaps we'll do a tour of the Christmas markets this weekend. I hope you've got something planned! Until then, you can see more skies at Skywatch.

PS: It's Friday the 13th - don't forget to buy your lottery ticket!

More from the cemetery

Maybe it's morbid, but I love walking through cemeteries, especially in other countries. I find it so interesting to see all the different names and I often wonder if the people had happy lives. I can't imagine someone with a name like Willi Martini to be anything other than happy. His name caught my eye during my recent walk through the graveyard, so I had to stop for a photo, And since it was the week following Totensonntag (a kind of Memorial Day here in Germany), all the graves were freshly decorated making them even nicer than usual.

Statue with a history

I recently took a stroll through the St. Mathias cemetery in Templehof. Although it's not one of Berlin's most well-known burial sites, there is quite a bit of history here. Burials began here in 1892 and the site has ties to the Catholic church. This pensive lady was finished and added to the site in 1942. Unfortunately, much of the cemetery was destroyed during WWII, including the original chapel.

 

According to the sign, this statue has a bullet hole in her back - perhaps soldiers mistook her for a real person? She was restored and re-erected in 2008 and she now overlooks the graves of soldiers who are buried in the cemetery. In all, more than 200 war graves can be found in this cemetery. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Kindergarten decay

This elementary school is very near my MiL's home. We were walking past it recently and I asked if she knew what happened here. She didn't have any information, but it seems the school has been abandoned, although the building doesn't look like it was emptied. It's all a little sad - I can imagine this place used to be one of joy and laughter. And now it's covered with tags and left to ruin. Maybe the kids will come back one day!

PS: Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! Have an extra slice of pumpkin pie on me!

In the U-Bahn

Ullsteinstrasse is the closest subway station to my MiL's home. It's a pleasant ten minute walk along the canals until you hit the main intersection where this stop is located. It's not on one of the major lines, but good connections are just a few stops away. I find it a convenient and economic way to get around town - certainly not what I was used to in Toronto! For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Treptow canal

A look at the canal that runs near my MiL's house. They have pedestrian / bike trails on both sides of the canal which makes it a very popular place for people to enjoy nature or just get a little fitness in. It looks like we might actually get some sun today, so maybe I'll take advantage of the walking path this afternoon!

Remembering summer

I found this cheerful building inside the garden colonies near my MiL's home. I absolutely love the big flowers and the bright colors, definitely a nice contrast to the gray skies we've been having. Monday has rolled around again and if you'd like to see more murals take a look at Monday Mural.